5500 BC - Use of Flax in Fiber by Egyptians.

Going back in time

Flax was the predominant fiber in Egypt which continued to become popular in Nile Valley. Flax threads in Egypt were woven to together to for the first time in 5500 BC.
The Flax Crop was primarily used as a crop for Food, which was then used by the Egyptians in manufacturing of clothes.

Characteristics and Uses

Flax fibre is soft, lustrous and flexible. It is much stronger than cotton and less elastic. The best grades are used in linen such as damasks, lace and sheeting. Coarser grades are used in the manufacturing of twine and rope. It is also used as a raw-material for high-quality paper for purpose of printed banknotes and rolling paper for cigarettes.

Who is cultivating

The major fibre flax-producing countries are Canada, USA and China, though there is also significant production in India and throughout Europe